Lok Adalats Offer Swift Justice: Citizens Encouraged to Resolve Long-Pending Cases
New Delhi: In a significant push toward accessible and time-bound justice, Lok Adalats—India’s alternative dispute resolution forums—are being increasingly recognized as effective platforms for settling long-pending civil and criminal cases. Backed by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, these forums provide amicable settlements without the burden of court fees or prolonged litigation.
Recent updates from Delhi highlight the inclusion of banking, NBFCs, and gas supply services under the category of Public Utility Services, enabling disputes in these sectors to be resolved through Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs)2. This move is expected to ease pressure on regular courts and offer equitable redressal for common service-related grievances.
NALSA, along with State and District Legal Services Authorities, organizes Lok Adalats at various levels—from the Supreme Court to Taluk offices. These forums are presided over by retired judges, legal professionals, and social workers, who act as conciliators rather than adjudicators. Their role is to facilitate voluntary compromise between parties.
Importantly, awards passed by Lok Adalats carry the same weight as civil court decrees and are binding on all parties. While appeals are not permitted, dissatisfied parties retain the right to initiate fresh litigation.
Types of Cases Handled:
- Pending cases before any court
- Pre-litigation disputes
- Public utility service matters (e.g., transport, telecom, electricity, banking)
Exclusions: Divorce cases and non-compoundable criminal offences are outside Lok Adalat jurisdiction.
Citizens seeking resolution of disputes—whether civil or criminal—can approach Lekhari Pro Solutions, which offers expert drafting and legal support in coordination with NALSA guidelines.
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